Earl David Washington Sr.

Mr. Earl David Washington Sr. On August 24, 1939, a Mighty Warrior was born to Reverend Bernard Sr. and First Lady Ruthie Lee Washington in Dublin, Mississippi. Earl D. Washington, affectionately known as Earl D., was the fifth of nine children. Both parents, his stepmother, Jewelry Washington, and four siblings, R.B. Washington, Ora Lee Ellis, Willie Washington, and Mary Beal, preceded him in death. Other loved ones, closest to his heart, who also preceded him in death are, his sister-n-law, Louise Washington, two sons Earl David Washington Jr. and Charles Washington, and two grandsons Robert Earl Wilson Jr. and De’shawn L. Adams Jr. At an early age, Earl was baptized and accepted Christ under the leadership of his Father Reverend Bernard Washington Sr. From infancy, it was impressed upon his heart to have love for God and Family. Until he took his last breath, he remained faithful to this training. He especially, loved spending time with his mother learning to cook and listening to her sing. Earl loved to hear her sing and after her death he wanted to hear others sing. He was truly known as a “mama’s boy”. Earl was not one to sing around his siblings, but little did they know he had a beautiful voice.

He also had a special love for his two sisters, Ora Lee and Mary Lee whom he cared for dearly. Despite Earl not being the oldest, neither the youngest he held his brother’s accountable. He was “the MAN with a Plan”. In 1955, The Washington family moved to Chicago, where Earl continued his education at Crane Tech High School. There, he met his first love, Carol Williams, learned carpentry skills and played baseball. He was a Master painter and a skilled craftsman in concrete construction. He was known as a “Jack of all Trades and a Master of MANY”. Earl’s greatest project was the building of his mother, Ruthie Lee Washington’s, headstone in 1952. To this very day, the headstone remains intact. Among family and friends, Earl was known as a Master Chef, as he loved to cook. Grill and making chili were his specialties, and he wouldn’t be Earl if he didn’t invite everyone over to enjoy his delicious food.

Earl was also known for his neatness and clean surroundings. He was a great dancer, and also enjoyed all types of music, but especially gospel songs sung by his family. Tall and muscular in build, Earl was a stylish dresser, possessed debonair charm, with an outstanding sense of humor, and a smile that caught the eyes of many. He stayed sharp from head to toe, and even in his last days he wanted his hair cut and nails groomed. All these qualities gained the special attention of his high school sweetheart, Carol Williams, whom he married in October 1959, and to their union they were blessed to share a total of ten children. Earl loved his family and always wanted the best for them. Although, his dream to become a Millionaire never came true, his time here on earth proved to be more valuable than fortune to all those he loved.

Earl always supported every last one of his children, family, and friends in activities from births, awards, accomplishments, graduations, weddings and most notably, “The Washington Family” reunions, just to name a few. No matter the occasion, Earl would be there, rain, sleet or snow. Whether, he took the bus, needed someone to pick him up or use his scooter, he was coming to the event. He would be there, on time, waiting for everyone to arrive. He was a Mighty Warrior in his own right, a man who stood for “no nonsense”, but all who knew him could not be loved by a better person. He was truly a man of great character.

During Earl’s last days, he put up a good fight despite his many health issues, even in the heart of the Covid -19 Pandemic, he was not affected. His strong will and determined personality kept him aware of his surroundings and made sure that he was treated with dignity and respect during his stay at Warren Barr Gold Coast Rehabilitation. He would not have it any other way!!! Everyone knew Mr. Washington, from the top administers to the maintenance man, from the City of Chicago, across the Mississippi River, up along the plains of California, down into the valleys of New Orleans. His legacy will live on in those that had the privilege to cross his path. Rest now, Earl David Washington, your fight is over, Jesus has paid your debts. Your next journey will be in Paradise.

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